Time to Graduate from CIA—Onto the Next Chapter
Author Annie B. Milostan ’25 is a Baking and Pastry Arts major.
“Enjoy every single moment while here, this place is your home.”
My name is Annie B. Milostan, I am from Arizona, the youngest of four girls and the first of my family to attend college. I originally hadn’t planned on going to college, I didn’t think it was for me. I wasn’t the greatest student, and I craved working with my hands. In high school I fell in love with cooking and the fast-paced environment. Creating dishes was like an art and watching people enjoy the food you made was an unmatched feeling. I started here at the Culinary Institute of America in the fall of 2023; I was not aware of what the next 15 months had in store for me.
Just the Beginning
I faced multiple challenges just in my first semester alone. Four weeks into the semester I tore my rotator cuff and thought I would have to take a semester off, however that wasn’t the case. I met with my dean, chef-instructor, and with learning accommodations and we crafted a plan that would help me stay on the course throughout my time here. I also went to tutoring for some of my academic classes at The Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons, they helped me find a way to study that worked for my brain. In addition to prioritizing my academics, I made it a point to get involved on campus while in my first semester, and I worked as a recreation assistant creating different events for students to attend on weekends. In my second semester, I started my block classes which are four three-week long kitchen classes, as well as my academic classes, and I had two jobs. I truthfully struggled this semester, I was homesick, struggling in classes, having a hard time making good friends, and I got sick. However, I had a great support system with mentors on campus and my family was only a call away. Being involved around campus helped, and I got to meet some amazing alumni like Amanda Freitag ’89 and Anne Burrell ’96! During my time here I have fallen more in love with the career I chose to pursue.
Summer in the Hamptons
I went on my internship (or “externship,” as we like to call it in this industry) my summer semester, and I spent it in the Hamptons! It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but I am so grateful for the time I spent here. I started in May just before the season started, and I quickly learned that it was going to be an interesting summer. I learned a lot about service and how the resort ran its day-to-day operations, every employee was like family, no one faced any struggle alone. While on extern I got another job and was working as a barista. Once the owner of the coffee shop heard I was attending CIA, he had me help his head chef perfect their gluten-free goodies. I had an absolute blast working with them and learning more. Working mornings at the coffee shop and evenings at the resort I found myself with little down time, but the time I did have, I made sure to explore the area a bit and soak up some sunshine on the beach. Every externship location is different, and if it isn’t what you expected, you can always turn it into a learning moment. My externship was not what I hoped it would be; however, I met some incredible people, learned, gained so much experience, and now I know what I want from a job. I call that a win!
The Final Stretch
When I got back to CIA for my final two semesters, I was a little nervous but also so excited. I had a new job with the content and photography team for our CIA Activities Instagram, and it was a blast! My classes went smoothly, I learned so much, and was also able to put my own personal flare into the desserts I was creating. I worked two of my favorite jobs that led me to a once in a lifetime opportunity going to Brooklyn for the New York Wine and Food Festival FoodieCon®—an event that brings together social media’s best food-loving personalities! When starting my final semester, I was a little sad, mainly because the semester before was such a good one… however this last semester was the best yet! I became involved with CIA’s Cookie Bake-Off, helped chefs in p.m. classes when they needed it, and really took advantage of my last semester here!
Words of Wisdom
When writing this piece, I really had to think back through everything that has happened over my time here. There are things I wish I would’ve known, but not knowing was a part of me learning and growing into who I am now. Here are some words of wisdom… It’s okay to ask for help. Take advantage of your time here, ask questions, be invested in your classes, and if you have a bad day there’s always another day and it will get better! Enjoy every single moment while here, this place is your home, and you have the chance to create a pretty amazing family!
I am forever grateful for the Culinary Institute of America and the family I have created!
Xoxo,
Annie B. Milostan ’25
Curious about where I’m headed next? Follow me on Instagram @annieb._adventures_
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